British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia get EU green light for trans-Atlantic alliance

BA, American and Iberia win EU OK for alliance

BRUSSELS — British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia have won European Union regulatory approval for plans to share more of their lucrative trans-Atlantic routes.

The companies say that will help them cut costs.

The three airlines made a legally binding promise to the European Commission that will see them give up valuable take-off and landing slots at London Heathrow.

That should allow rivals to start new routes between London and New York, Boston, Dallas and Miami.

European regulators says this offer eliminates antitrust worries that the new deal would allow the three companies control lucrative trans-Atlantic routes and hike prices.